As a college student, my friends  and I would often play a group game called “Two Truths and a Lie”. We would each write two unique facts about ourselves that would be true and one item that would be believable but not true. The purpose of the game was to get to know each other by determining which one of the statements was the lie. 

While this game always proved to be entertaining, it also showed how easy it was to be deceived and tricked. A creatively modified “lie” could easily sound like a truth. The truth could also be difficult to believe at times or it can seem so outrageous that everyone knows it is a truth. 

Some of the best “truths” I have seen offered while playing this game:*

• I was once bitten by a monkey.
• I eat hot dogs with peanut butter on them.
• I met George W. Bush while wearing a chicken suit.
• I was once followed by the KGB.
• I once was lost but now I am found.

Danger of Missing the Truth

In this simple game, little harm is done if the lie is not detected. Players are often quite diligent when considering each possible truth. A few laughs will be shared as a result of the most interesting responses. Who eats peanut butter on their hot dogs anyway?

If determining the truth in real life were only this easy.

Determining the Truth

Our culture is full of fake news, questionable stories and lies twisted into truth. How is one to determine what to believe? How do we determine if lies have been twisted to sound like truth or truths that have been questioned until they no longer sound right?

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In my classroom, I have a sign that reads “To know what we believe, we must also know what we do not believe.” I am not sure of the source of this quote, but I do know the importance of what it says. Going through life without a focus on what is true can leave you confused. Not knowing the truth can also lead us to believe lies that have been disguised as truths.

Truth is founded in what I believe, my worldview.  As I face each facet of my life, it must be filtered through my faith. This determines what is true. It must be a purposed way of viewing the world. Otherwise the “lies” of the world will start to look true.

“Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”– John 8:32 (KJV)

I would encourage you to determine in your own mind what determines truth for you. Are there pieces of culture that influence your thoughts? Is God’s word your determining factor of truth? Are there any lies that you have accepted as truth? To know what you believe, you must also know what you do not believe.

*Some additional fun truths. Enjoy! Feel free to leave your funniest truth in the comment section. I would love to hear from you.

• I was a personal grocery shopper for Janie Frecky.
• I have 5 dads.
• I have eaten grubs.
• My son pulled a quarter from Siegfried’s ear. 
• I was stung on my tongue by a bee and the stinger had to be removed.
• I swallowed a huge chunk of cantaloupe laughing and spent 6 hours in the ER because of it.
• I received a marriage proposal from a chief of a remote African village.